Actor John Schneider is best known for his role as Bo Duke on the TV show Dukes of Hazzard. But his talents go much deeper than playing the good guy.
The iconic show about the antics of two Southern belle cousins in the rural South made actor John Schneider (and co-star Tom Wopat) teenage stars and darlings.
Schneider, however, believes that God has always been in control of his life.
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Schneider said, “I believe that we were created very specifically to do something because God is ready for something that we are a part of.”
In a recent episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Schneider talked about how life has had its ups and downs, tragedies and joys.
Actor John Schneider starred as Bo Duke on the CBS television series The Dukes of Hazzard. The series ran from 1979 to 1985. (CBS via Getty Images)
But he stayed true to what he believed God designed him to be.
Schneider said, “There was always this feeling from the beginning, watching movies, watching John Wayne, watching things happen on the big screen in Mount Kisco, that that’s where I had to be.”
By the time he auditioned for Dukes of Hazzard at age 18, he had already been working in theater for a decade.
Originally from Mount Kisco, New York, he said, Schneider ended up in Atlanta, Georgia, after his mother got a job transfer.
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He was involved in theater from a young age.
By the time he auditioned for Dukes of Hazzard at age 18, he had been working in theater for a decade.
Tom Wopat, left, starred as Luke Duke and John Schneider starred as Bo Duke on the CBS television series “The Dukes of Hazzard.” (CBS via Getty Images)
“Dukes” ran from 1979 to 1985.
At one time, it was second only to the hit “Dallas” in the ratings.
“When you have any skill, the industry is always surprised.”
After it was over, Schneider, now 64, sometimes had a hard time shedding the “Bo Duke” image.
He could act and sing, but he had to try again.
American actors Schneider, Catherine Bach and Wopat in a promotional portrait for The Dukes of Hazzard, circa 1980. They played Bo, Daisy and Luke Duke respectively. (The Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)
The Dukes of Hazzard stars Schneider, Bach and Wopat reunite at the 2023 Gallatin Comic Con held at the Gallatin Civic Center on November 11, 2023, in Gallatin, Tennessee (©Tammie Arroyo/AFF-USA.com, via Mega Agency) . (back grid)
Said Schneider, “For every door that was open, 10 slammed in my face because I was famous … because I was a famous person.”
He added, “However, the industry, by and large, I think – and this can be judgmental – but mostly it thinks of celebrities as the luckiest people in the room. And really quite talentless. So when you have any ability , the industry is always surprised.”
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Schneider also starred in the TV show Smallville, playing Superman’s father.
As a singer, he released about 20 albums and performed on Broadway.
Schneider at Motor City Comic Con, at the Suburban Collection Showplace on May 16, 2015, in Novi, Michigan. (Monica Morgan/WireImage)
He is currently, through February 2, performing in Broadway’s longest-running show called “The Perfect Crime,” a mystery that made him.
His co-star, Catherine Russell, is also a producer on the show.
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She found out about Schneider’s talents when she hosted the event at Sardi’s restaurant where he was presented with one of his iconic cartoons.
“You’re the best man to ever play this role.”
Russell told Schneider directly, “I’ve been doing this show for 38 years. We’ve had many, many people play this part. And I’m not saying that because you’re standing here today. The best man that has ever played this role”.
Schneider’s late wife, Alicia, died in 2023 after a battle with cancer. (John Schneider Instagram)
Schneider is reflecting on his life of opportunity. But he is not shy about expressing the trauma of his wife Alicia’s death from cancer two years ago.
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As well as the joy that came later, to find love again with wife Dee Dee Benkie, who also tragically lost her husband, actor Paul Sorvino, in 2022.
Together, they have learned to trust God’s plan.
Schneider and Dee Dee Sorvino were married in 2024. They are pictured above at the Kentucky Derby. (Getty Images)
Said Schneider, “You are all part of this story. You all have something to do within the plan. Not John Schneider’s plan. God’s plan.”
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He added, “You all have something to do there, so pay attention to each other, because … it’s like the perfect crime. All the clues are there.”
Schneider speaks during the wedding celebration of John Schneider and Dee Dee Sorvino Nashville at The Standard at Smith House on September 11, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee. (Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images)
